On the scenic oceans and vast borders of the United States, there’s a wild frontier that often goes unnoticed: The fight against drug trafficking. Many drug trafficking experts say that trying to stop it is like squeezing a balloon. You press down on one part and the air shifts to another section.
But drug trafficking is a huge problem. Especially for states like Ohio where opioids and fentanyl abuse continue to rise. The more illicit drugs that make it into our state, the more opportunity there is for Ohioans to get addicted. So, the question becomes, what is being done to combat drug trafficking in Ohio?
The truth is, as a state with many large cities and a growing population, Ohio is a prime target for drug trafficking. In this post, we’re going to explore what our state is doing to fight back against this crisis. Before we dive in, it’s important to learn the real impact drug trafficking has on Ohio communities.
How Drug Trafficking Affects Ohio Communities
Drug trafficking has affected Ohio communities in more ways than you might realize. And given the transportation and road infrastructure of Ohio, drug traffickers can easily distribute illicit drugs throughout the state. As the number of drugs being moved into our state has gone up over the years, Ohio has seen an increase in:
1. Drug-Related Crime
It’s not a surprise that drug related crime goes up as more drugs make it into the state. According to law enforcement in Ohio, cocaine is the drug that has contributed the most to the rise in violent crime.
2. Drug Abuse
As the number of drugs in Ohio increases, so does the number of residents who suffer from addiction. While there are treatment options throughout the state, the dangers of drug abuse have grown over the last few years. For example, more and more drugs are being laced with fentanyl. It’s a cheap way for illegal drug manufacturers to increase the effects of certain drugs. The problem is the high risk of overdose that comes with fentanyl.
3. Illicit Finance Operations
To help manage the money made through illegal drug sales, more and more drug traffickers are setting up money laundering operations in Ohio. By working through legitimate businesses, drug traffickers are hurting the business environment and economy of our state.
What is Ohio Doing to Fight Drug Trafficking?
The good news is Ohio is actively working to combat the negative effects of drug trafficking. And it started at the Ohio Governor’s office. Last year, Governor Mike DeWine created the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council to help the state’s government fight against the effects of drugs in the state.
Here’s what is actually happening in Ohio to fight against drug trafficking:
More Funding for Drug Task Forces
The RecoveryOhio Advisory Council recently adjusted the state budget. This change will provide more funding to 27 drug task forces across the state. Fighting drug trafficking in Ohio isn’t cheap. Law enforcement needs the money to fund equipment, manpower and resources for their investigations.
By providing more funding to drug trafficking task forces, the hope is to catch more illegal drugs before they hit the streets. In 2019, Ohio police confiscated or seized millions of dollars’ worth of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. This funding will help ensure that major drug busts are still an ongoing tactic against drug trafficking.
Severe Legal Punishment for Ohio Drug Traffickers
Another way Ohio is fighting drug trafficking is the legal punishment for the crime. While the potential sentences for drug trafficking vary on the substance, they are severe when compared to other states. For example, trafficking 27 grams of cocaine or more results in 3 to 11 years in prison.
But it doesn’t stop there. Anyone in Ohio convicted of drug trafficking can have their driver’s license revoked for up to 5 years. Since Ohio continues to fight against the opioid epidemic, many prescriptions are classified as controlled substances. Unlike other states, you can be charged for drug trafficking in Ohio if you sell a prescription medicine on that list.
Under Ohio Revised Code, if you’re charged with drug trafficking, prison time is often required. All these laws are meant to dissuade drug traffickers from coming to Ohio.
More Drug Rehab in Ohio
In response to the growth in drug trafficking and addiction, Ohio has seen a rise in drug treatment centers. Treatment centers like Silver Maple Recovery use evidence-based practices and expert detox services to help people break the cycle of addiction. Ohio is actively providing more resources for residents to get sober.
How does this help with drug trafficking? Long-term, the idea is to use effective treatment and education as a way to lower demand for illicit drugs.
Discover Expert Drug Rehab in Cleveland, Ohio
There’s no doubt that drug addiction and abuse has become a major problem in Ohio. And while it’s great that our state is doing more to stop drug trafficking, you or your loved one might need specialized support now.
If you or your loved one is looking for drug rehab in Cleveland, Ohio, Silver Maple Recovery is here to support you. We offer a continuum of care for men who are trying to reach lasting recovery. From our detox services to inpatient treatment, we take a personalized approach to care. After all, no two addictions are the same.
If you’re ready to take the next step in lasting recovery, contact our staff today. We have professional caregivers ready to hear your story 24/7.
